Saab is looking to expand its industrial partnership with Portugal by considering local production of components for its Gripen fighter aircraft if Lisbon decides to replace its aging F-16 fleet.
According to a report by SAPO, Saab believes that OGMA, a Portuguese aerospace company controlled by Brazil’s Embraer, has significant potential to manufacture parts for the Gripen program. Such an arrangement could help retain investment, technology, and employment opportunities within Portugal if the country selects Saab’s fighter in a future procurement program.
The Gripen E/F is expected to compete with aircraft offered by Lockheed Martin and the Eurofighter consortium to meet the Portuguese Air Force’s fighter replacement needs, although a formal acquisition process has not yet begun.
Daniel Boestad, Saab’s vice president for the Gripen business, said the company intends to participate once Lisbon launches the competition. He also highlighted how local industrial involvement — similar to Saab’s partnership with Embraer in Brazil established in 2014 — could strengthen Portugal’s aerospace and defense sector.
Saab has consistently pursued partnerships with domestic industries in countries where it operates. In February 2024, the company collaborated with the UK’s The Abbey Group to produce components for the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System, used by British Army vehicles.
Later, in March 2025, Saab signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian defense company Radionix to jointly develop sensors and electronic systems aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense manufacturing.
In September 2025, Saab also partnered with Polish technology firm WB Group to explore cooperation in unmanned aerial systems, naval technologies, and border security solutions, further expanding its collaboration with regional defense technology providers.
